Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Coming to Her Rescue

Aurora’s heart pounded as she stood frozen on stage, gripping the microphone tightly. She had been moments away from launching the most significant project of her career, and now everything seemed to be unravelling before her eyes.

But just as suddenly as the chaos had started, it came to an abrupt halt. The fire alarm stopped blaring, and the lights flickered back on, casting a soft glow over the room.

For a brief second, there was silence—everyone looking around in confusion as if waiting for the next disaster. Then the low murmur of conversation began to ripple through the room.

Aurora exhaled slowly, her grip loosening on the microphone. Her heart, which had been racing, started to slow. She glanced towards the back of the room to see Lilian rushing towards her.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” Lilian asked as soon as she swiftly climbed the stage.

Aurora nodded, smiling reassuringly. “Yes, I’m fine. What happened?” Immediately, Lilian whispered something to her and left.

Aurora nodded, her shoulders relaxing as her gaze swept the room. “Good evening, everyone,” her voice rang out, calm but firm. The microphone in her hand steadied as she addressed the room. “I sincerely apologize for the brief disruption and the inconveniences caused. Someone accidentally triggered the fire alarm. Rest assured, everything is under control now.”

Almost immediately, the few guests who had rushed for the exit earlier began to return to their seats, murmurs subsiding.

“As a token of apology and appreciation for your understanding,” Aurora continued, “Each of you will receive a complimentary bottle of ‘Vintage Cellar’s latest product; the Fruit Punch Champagne.”

On the other hand, Stella and Olivia’s faces twisted in frustration, their anger barely contained. They had been so sure their plan would work, and now Aurora was turning the tables.

“Mum, what just happened?” Olivia whispered, cautious about others at their table hearing their conversation.

“I will have to wait until the end to find out.” Stella burned with rage within her but managed to hide it with a placid smile while clenching her fists under the table.

Olivia simply couldn’t accept that their plans had failed and turned to her father, her voice low but edged with bitterness. “Dad, did you hear that? Aurora just promised that every guest will go home with a bottle of champagne. There are about 150 guests here! Who’s going to pay for all of that? This is going to be a huge loss if our company handles the expenses!”

Adam’s gaze narrowed. “That’s not your concern, Olivia. You and your mother should worry about explaining your involvement in the disruption when we get home.”

Olivia’s face paled at his words. Before she could protest, Stella leaned in, feigning indignation. “Adam, this is getting out of hand! What are you implying?”

Adam’s tone was firm. “Your daughter had a successful launch yesterday, but Aurora can’t? This entire incident looks like a sabotage to me.”

Stella’s eyes flashed with anger, but she forced a smile, saying nothing more as Adam’s attention returned to the stage.

On stage, Aurora’s gaze swept the room as she began her speech, her voice ringing with newfound confidence. “Fruit Punch Champagne was born from a simple idea,” she began, “after a conversation with someone whose elderly parents no longer enjoyed champagne at social gatherings. They found the high alcohol content and sugar overwhelming, and that’s when I realized there was a need for something different—something that could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age.”

Aurora’s words hung in the air as the guests listened, their interest piqued.

Stella and Olivia exchanged a glance, their faces twisting in anger and frustration as they watched Aurora command the stage. She spoke with such ease, her words resonating with the audience in a way they could not have anticipated.

Meanwhile, at his table near the front, Xander had been quietly observing the entire ordeal. The moment the fire alarm had gone off, he’d signalled, Liam, to investigate. And just now, Liam returned, bending down to whisper discreetly in his ear.

“Well?” Xander asked.

“Someone intentionally set off the alarm, sir,” Liam replied.

Xander’s expression turned cold. “Did our men catch the idiot?”

“Yes, sir. He’s being interrogated,” Liam quickly replied.

Xander’s jaw tightened slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Good,” he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. “Make sure they find out who hired him. I want him delivered to his contractor tomorrow, as a little… reminder.”

“Yes, Sir,” Liam nodded.

“And be discreet,” Xander added.

As the two men finished their quiet exchange, Xander’s attention returned to the stage, where Aurora was continuing her speech. His lips curled into a small, satisfied smile as he watched her captivate the audience. She was doing remarkably well, especially under such pressure.

Some minutes later, Aurora wrapped up her story and was about to hand the microphone back to the MC when Lilian appeared at her side again holding a small piece of paper.

Aurora took it, her brows lifting as she read the note. Then, with a bright smile, she turned back to the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have wonderful news,” she announced, her eyes sparkling. “The new Chairman and CEO of DANTE Group, Mr. Xander Scott, has generously offered to cover the cost of the complimentary champagne for all our guests!”

Immediately, a round of applause swept through the hall as the guests turned to look towards Xander’s table. Xander raised his glass in acknowledgement, a faint smile on his lips.

Aurora couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude as the applause echoed in her ears. Xander has saved her a ton with this grand gesture and her anger towards him dissipated by half.

Meanwhile, at their table, Stella and Olivia simmered in rage, watching what was happening. And the worst part of it all was that they couldn’t even express their emotions and had to be mindful of their facial expressions.

As Aurora handed the microphone back to the MC and descended from the stage, several guests began to send in their contributions for the champagne launch; through cash and contracts.

A permanent smile remained on Aurora’s face as she listened to the MC read note after note, her heart swelling with pride and relief. Although she could already guess the people behind her launch’s attempted sabotage, she didn’t give a fuck about them.

Since they were all about ruining her product, she would work hard to make sure she slapped the results of her success on their faces in no time.